DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.26753#0064
60
52.000 volumes, and some works of reference, such as encyclo-
paedias, dictionaries, &c., which are of small value, and could
easily he replaced. Their being placed here would relieve
the great library, and their loss, in case of accident, of no great
importance ; supposing they amounted altogether to 70,000 or
80.000 volumes, this would afford considerable relief, and would
make in itself a very tolerable library, to which the public would
have access after the great library was closed. It has also oc-
curred to me that this library might be lent out to students, in
their own homes, under certain restrictions; but I am not pre-
pared to say this should be done. If, however, it could be done,
it would be a most valuable addition to the usefulness of the
institution, and one that ought not to be overlooked if it could
be attained with safety to the general collection.
The great advantage, however, would be the increase of
accommodation, as this room would cover from 18,500 to
13,500 feet, whereas, in the present rooms there are only 4,200;
and as the searchers are to the readers in the ratio of about
twenty-five to one, if we allow one, say one-sixth of the space
for the record department, we have still nearly four times the
space for readers which we had in the old rooms; and owing to
the superior mode of lighting, we may, I think, fairly say more
than four times the available space, or room for at least 1000
readers at any and the same time.
The mode in which I would construct the interior would be
something of the Leeds mill model. The exterior, however,
would require to be ornamented throughout, but, taking it
altogether, with galleries of communication, and other appur-
tenances, 40,000/. to 50,000/. ought to do more than cover the
whole expense.
In proposing to convert the present statue galleries into
record depositories, I shall be met at once by an objection
founded on Mr. Braidwood’s report* to the Record Commis-
sion, which seems to have been adopted by them, wherein he
recommends small rooms not exceeding 6,885 feet cube, and
with open fireplaces. I have read the letter most carefully,
and with all due deference to such an authority, cannot but
suggest that his reasoning is not definitive; for though I do
* Appendix C, in Sixth Report of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Improve-
ment,
52.000 volumes, and some works of reference, such as encyclo-
paedias, dictionaries, &c., which are of small value, and could
easily he replaced. Their being placed here would relieve
the great library, and their loss, in case of accident, of no great
importance ; supposing they amounted altogether to 70,000 or
80.000 volumes, this would afford considerable relief, and would
make in itself a very tolerable library, to which the public would
have access after the great library was closed. It has also oc-
curred to me that this library might be lent out to students, in
their own homes, under certain restrictions; but I am not pre-
pared to say this should be done. If, however, it could be done,
it would be a most valuable addition to the usefulness of the
institution, and one that ought not to be overlooked if it could
be attained with safety to the general collection.
The great advantage, however, would be the increase of
accommodation, as this room would cover from 18,500 to
13,500 feet, whereas, in the present rooms there are only 4,200;
and as the searchers are to the readers in the ratio of about
twenty-five to one, if we allow one, say one-sixth of the space
for the record department, we have still nearly four times the
space for readers which we had in the old rooms; and owing to
the superior mode of lighting, we may, I think, fairly say more
than four times the available space, or room for at least 1000
readers at any and the same time.
The mode in which I would construct the interior would be
something of the Leeds mill model. The exterior, however,
would require to be ornamented throughout, but, taking it
altogether, with galleries of communication, and other appur-
tenances, 40,000/. to 50,000/. ought to do more than cover the
whole expense.
In proposing to convert the present statue galleries into
record depositories, I shall be met at once by an objection
founded on Mr. Braidwood’s report* to the Record Commis-
sion, which seems to have been adopted by them, wherein he
recommends small rooms not exceeding 6,885 feet cube, and
with open fireplaces. I have read the letter most carefully,
and with all due deference to such an authority, cannot but
suggest that his reasoning is not definitive; for though I do
* Appendix C, in Sixth Report of Commissioners for the Metropolitan Improve-
ment,